Dear Friends in Christ,
The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, adopted by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2002, requires parishes and schools to provide formation for children in the areas of safety and the integrity of their persons. To assist our families with this important task, we have developed the “Diocese of Rockford Formation in Christian Chastity and Safe Environment Program,” using as a principal source The Catechism of the Catholic Church. Our philosophy is to involve parents directly in the formation of their children. In addition to classroom presentation of the key safety issues, adapted for different grade levels, parents will receive materials to help guide their own discussions with their children at home.
Parents will receive materials on teaching children about the issues of safety. This will take the form of information sheets from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and additional materials for parents’ use at home that complement the subjects being taught simultaneously in the classroom.
Classroom lesson plans are included in both the Formation in Christian Chastity and Safe Environment aspect of the Program. Through lesson plans, to be taught in our schools and in our religious education programs, children and young people learn their role in protecting themselves and develop skills to accomplish that task. The lesson plans are age-appropriate for each level at which they are taught.
The Diocesan Formation in Christian Chastity and Safe Environment Programs replace previous programs promulgated by the Diocesan Catholic Education Office, and are mandatory for all Catholic primary Schools and Parish Religious Education programs in the Diocese of Rockford.
I ask the blessing of our Lord on all of our children and on those entrusted with their care on behalf of the Church.
Cordially yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Thomas G. Doran, D.D., J.C.D.
Bishop of Rockford